Ten: A decade of girls at Worth

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A DECADE OF GIRLS AT WORTH

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

The first 32 girls to arrive at Worth

IN SEPTEMBER 2008 WORTH OPENED ITS DOORS TO GIRLS AFTER 74 YEARS OF BEING AN ALL BOYS SCHOOL.

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First Oxbridge offers – Jess Coffin to read Geography at Brasenose and Charlotte Hart to read English Literature at Wadham College.

Anna Webb to read Natural Sciences at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge

The first girls arrive! There are 32 girls, all in Year 12

2008

2009

First girls’ hockey, netball and tennis teams established

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First drama (‘The School for Scandal’) featuring Worth girls (see page 10)

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Abbot Leagues created to encourage mixing of boys/girls and boarders/day pupils in the junior years

First girls’ golf trophy: Maddy Man wins the English Women’s Golf Association South Region Girls U15 Championship

2010

2011

The first girl joins the Channel Swim squad

Girls enter Years 7 and 9 for the first time – 15 in Year 7 and 25 in Year 9

Louise Moon becomes the first female editor of ‘Identity’, the student magazine

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FROM THE AD TO THE LAB To attract girls you need to show girls, but in early 2008 Worth didn’t have any. Undeterred, the subjects for the first recruitment images like the one above were often the ‘volunteered’ daughters of Worth staff members.

The girl on the left (above) is Ellie Ross who tells us: “They wanted some promotion shots so grabbed who they could get. I think this was the only uniform they had because it was about three sizes too big and I had to be pinned into the blazer with the sleeves rolled up.

I do not play the violin!”

Ellie finally became a Worth pupil in 2011 and went on to study Chemistry at university in 2013. Now Ellie is now back at Worth as Miss Ross, a qualified teacher in the Chemistry department.

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MATRON FROM THE START Nikki Webb has been the Matron of Worth’s boarding house for girls, St Mary’s, since September 2008.

How did you come to join Worth?

I responded to an ad in the local paper. Originally, I was a barber but stopped work for 10 years when I had children and then went to work at Virgin Atlantic.

I think Caroline Brown, the first Housemistress of St Mary’s, liked the idea that I was quite young, had new ideas and knew how to be around children.

Do you remember you first impressions of Worth?

When I first drove up the driveway and saw the golf course and then the main school, I thought “Wow!” It was quite breathtaking.

What do you remember of the first girls in St Mary’s?

The first group were very confident, very friendly and chatty.

They would let off steam with me over a cup of tea and a biscuit, telling me about how the day had gone and how they were getting on with the boys.

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What would be your top three stand-out memories of the last 10 years?

Definitely my first day which was a mix of emotions and I was probably like a rabbit in headlights. Then when we moved location to take over what was formerly Gervase House. After a while, I realised how much I liked the new location. There is lots of light, wildlife and beautiful scenery. When I sit in my office doing emails, I can hear sheep in the field and that peacefulness while in a school is remarkable.

to young women and it’s horrible to see them go. There are lots of tears at the Leavers’ Ball. You see the girls as young women going out into the wide world and looking so glamorous. Although I hate the goodbyes, that evening is the cherry on the cake for me.

My third memory happened recently when a former St Mary's girl married a Worthian boy, and it happened here at Worth.

For those who are wondering, are boys allowed across the threshold of St Mary’s?

Boys are allowed in certain communal areas at certain times, but they must sign in and a staff member needs to be aware. This is a co-ed school so the students need to be allowed to study and socialise together, but the House is also home for a number of girls some of whom are only 13. It’s a case of getting the balance right.

What’s the best part of the year in the boarding House?

Christmas! We go full out with decorations, Secret Santa and parties.

And the worst?

Every time we come to Easter I have to start preparing myself as the girls start drifting away after the first exams in May. I’ve seen them transform from little girls

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Do you keep in touch with former pupils?

Of course. We have a Facebook group that the girls can join once they leave and the Worth Society organises events.

What three words would sum up St Mary’s for you?

Happy. Beautiful. Homely.

seen them transform from “ I’ve little girls to young women and it’s horrible to see them go.”

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“ The introduction

of girls to what had previously been a boys only school has been extremely positive and enriched the daily life of the school.”

OFSTED INSPECTION REPORT, 2011

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SINCE SEPTEMBER 2010, WORTH GIRLS HAVE GONE ON TO STUDY A HUGE RANGE OF SUBJECTS SOCIOLOGY RURAL ENTERPRISE & LAND MANAGEMENT ENGLISH MODERN LANGUAGES MUSIC CHINESE HISTORY DENTISTRY THEATRE BANKING FINANCE PSYCHOLOGY SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY HISTORY ECONOMICS REAL ESTATE GLOBAL HEALTH & SOCIAL MEDICINE FRENCH HISPANIC STUDIES SOCIAL SCIENCE PRIMARY EDUCATION FRENCH & SPANISH CHEMISTRY GEOGRAPHY PHYSIOTHERAPY CLASSICS JOURNALISM SPORT SCIENCE VETERINARY MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT FASHION JOURNALISM SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY ANIMAL SCIENCE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DRAMA STUDIES NATURAL SCIENCES PHARMACOLOGY CLASSICAL LITERATURE & PHILOSOPHY CLASSICS & ITALIAN ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN AMERICAN STUDIES FORENSIC SCIENCE GERMAN BIOCHEMISTRY PHILOSOPHY MICROBIOLOGY HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT CRIMINOLOGY BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MATHEMATICS ARCHAEOLOGY PHYSICS MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY PPE MEDICINE POLITICS ART HISTORY ARTS MANAGEMENT THEOLOGY LAW INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CIVIL ENGINEERING

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COSTUME DRAMA

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This photo is taken from the dress rehearsal of School for Scandal by Richard Sheridan, the first Worth production involving both boys and girls from the school.

I played one of Lady Sneerwell’s friends, and this photo shows a moment in our transition from giggling chatterboxes to a more sinister, judgmental group of gossips. The production was directed by the late Matthew Boughton (also his first Worth show) and was probably the best production I’ve ever been involved in.

It was lavish and loud, with colourful characters and even brighter costumes.

I think the boys were apprehensive at first at having their classmates onstage with them, but it was a very good bonding experience. There were a few romance scenes in the play that caused hilarity every time! The production was bold, ambitious, inclusive and of course very successful — a true representation of the overall process of integrating girls at Worth.

Today I wouldn't be able to work in my current role, in quite a male-dominated environment, without having learnt from my male classmates how to not take myself too seriously. A lot of the subjects I studied and the extra-curricular activities I experienced at Worth influenced my university degree and hobbies and interests in adult life. I remember my time there very fondly and relish any opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, teachers and members of the community.

Maddy Ilsley (top right in photo) 2009 Leaver, achieved a First in French and Spanish at Bristol University, now working in marketing in a legal chambers in London

production was bold, ambitious, “ The inclusive and of course very successful — a true representation of the overall process of integrating girls at Worth.”

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New St Bede’s House opens for boy boarders

New St Anne’s Day House opens

All girls team wins Youth Speaks debating competition for first time

2011

2012

Astro pitch is ready for girls’ sport

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2013

Nikki Chaudhuri in Year 11 becomes the first girl to play in the 1st XI cricket team at Worth: she now plays for Surrey Women and is studying economics at Royal Holloway

Girls join the School Schola

State-of-the-art Glenn Robertson Fitness Suite opens

2014

Federica Williamson wins six gold medals in the Sussex Swimming Championships

Worth becomes a UK Top 10 school for the IB

Young Medics Society established

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ACTIVITIES THAT ROCK The advent of girls at Worth saw an explosion in the activities offered, not just for girls specifically but across the board. There are now 132 activities on offer as diverse as scuba diving, portrait drawing, photography, Young Medics Society, astronomy, Mandarin Club, Amnesty International, girls’ football, lacrosse, dance, golf, yoga, horse riding, sailing, choir, ensembles, concert band, conservation, community service, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the ever-popular Debating Society.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR Sebastian Bailey, President of Mind Gym, left Worth in 1993 but is now back as a parent with daughters Genevieve and Miranda in Years 9 and 7 respectively.

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Worth was a different place when I left in 1993.

All boys with 360 pupils.

The Worth of today feels quite different. The Rutherford building, known fondly by its residents as ‘the cardboard castle’, has disappeared without a trace. The places where we used to go for a surreptitious cigarette are now well-appointed buildings filled with people designing, painting and learning together. It feels like a school that’s come of age and is on the up. The presence of girls and day pupils has clearly done the School a power of good, and the Head Master and his senior team seem very intentional about the quality of the environment they are creating. An indication of this is that the School has just had its best GCSE results ever.

Of course, there are those things that remain the same — the warmth, hospitality and the focus on developing people who are ‘good’ as opposed to ‘successful’ in the conventional sense.

As my wife, Juliet, and I looked for schools we realised that Worth was unique in delivering what we were looking for: quality education, co-educational, day pupils, close to London and, of course, the Benedictine ethos. It’s a decision that so far my girls are enjoying very much. Only today I’ve been told that my youngest daughter hugged a sheep and my eldest enjoyed the ‘Pasta Piazza’. Who knows what adventures tomorrow will hold...

realised that Worth was “ …we unique in delivering on all our selection criteria.”

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Stuart McPherson takes over as Head Master at Worth

Lacrosse added to the Sports options Worth offers Pre-IB course for first time

Girls win first Sussex hockey championships

2014

2015

St Catherine’s opens as the second girls’ day House

2016

First girls’ fencing squad enjoys a clean sweep in their first fixtures Forerunners team arrives to support the work of the Chaplaincy, including the first two women in the Chaplaincy, Fran O’Neill and Bexx Willcox

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Worth celebrates 15 years of teaching the IB Austin House goes co-ed: (Years 7 and 8)

Girls win first Sussex county tennis championship

2017

Stunning new Arts facility opens in what was the Dutch Barn

St Mary’s girls’ boarding house moves to a new location

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A compelling argument in the decision for Worth to go coeducational was that siblings would be able to attend the same school. We talk to Sixth Former twins Monty and Primrose Sparkes about their experience of being in the same school. Their older sister Prudence also joined Worth in 2014 in Year 12.

When the Sparkes family first visited Worth School they were specifically looking for a place for Monty but “loved it so much” that they quickly fired in applications for the girls as well.

“It’s 100% an advantage having a sibling at the same school,” says Monty and Primrose would agree because there is someone there to give solid, unwavering support.

The twins say it is like “having a built-in best friend”. When sister Prudence was at Worth, the siblings would arrange to meet for a ‘family dinner’ in the refectory to catch up with each other. Not that this has hindered their ability to form wide groups of friends; while each has a close-knit group of friends in-House, they also have many mutual friends and

“the whole year group is quite close anyway”. The crossover of friends is seen as a positive thing.

A question about any disadvantages to having a sibling in the school is met with laughter and a great story about how other students initially mistook the non-identical twins as a dating couple. “People would say to us, ‘but you’re so close…’ and we’d say ‘Yes, because…’” explains Primrose.

While Monty duly joined St Bede’s as a boarder in Year 9, Primrose came initially as a day student and then became a boarder once places were available. Both the siblings agree that Monty was “transformed by boarding” which he ascribes to ”finding really good friends” who helped him to establish his identity and accept himself. “He became so much more confident,” observes Primrose.

A manifestation of that confidence is with drama about which both are passionate. Monty recalls going on stage at primary school with only 50 people in the

As they begin their final year at Worth, twins Monty and Primrose are thinking about university, “but probably not together…” audience — and then bursting into tears and running off. Now he can stand up at the front of the full Abbey Church and “it doesn’t faze me at all”.

The twins also play mixed lacrosse together and both are involved in the Chaplaincy, including the Nazareth Group which meets for conversations about faith after weekly worship. “The Abbey Church is our comfort place,” says Primrose.

However, Worth has also given scope for the twins to pursue their own paths as they are, by their own description, very different. Monty loves rugby and hockey, while Primrose is drawn to the academic side of life with interests including Debating Society and being the co-editor of student magazine ‘Identity’.

They are keen to point out that theirs is the first year with a 50:50 boy-girl ratio. As they begin their final year at Worth, Monty and Primrose are thinking about university, “but probably not together…”

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RELATIVE ADVANTAGE

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WHAT OTHERS SAY

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“

Academic scholarship beyond the classroom is outstanding.”

“ “

Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent and they work well collaboratively as well as individually.”

The school successfully fulfils its aims... enabling the pupils to find personal strength, success and contentment whilst on their educational and spiritual journeys.”

ISI INSPECTION REPORT 2017

“

The ethos is very includsive and the children accept it as part of the School...a blend of confidence and humility without the public school swagger…”

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2017

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JUMPING

INTO THE MIX Two Sixth Formers share their experience of leaving an all girls school for a co-educational Worth

As we celebrate the first year of an equal proportion of boys and girls in the Sixth Form at Worth, I have noticed the necessity to have a balance of opinions in classes and in year groups. I feel this diversity will help me greatly in the workplace when I leave here.

The transition from an all girls school to co-education was a daunting but most welcome experience. I moved to Worth in Year 9 hoping to escape the slightly judgmental behaviour that some girls can adopt and I have felt that, with a large proportion of boys in the school, this has been radically reduced.

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Perhaps the most useful aspect has been acquiring the skill of confidently addressing boys from a relatively young age, allowing me to build healthy working partnerships and friendships with them. It is possible that my initial fear of co-education stemmed from lacking such a vital skill, but this was quickly obtained and class discussions became a joy rather than a burden. I have also found that the figureheads of a Head Girl and Head Boy

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have been effective at Worth as there are two role models who demonstrate different qualities and sensitivities.

Despite lots of mixed integration, St Mary’s House has also offered me a hospitable, comfortable and welcoming space where the girls soon felt like sisters. It is a chance for me to develop close bonds and a sense of sisterhood with my peers who undoubtedly will be my friends for life. This balance of boys and girls has been the foundation of my happiness at Worth with a strong network of friends who respect each other’s differences.

Pippa Landon

came here seeking entertainment “ Ifrom the boarding atmosphere and diverse opinions from having both boys and girls around me — both of which I found with ease.”

I chose to come to Worth mainly because of the strong Catholic education; however, my initial motive to move from day school to a mixed boarding school was the thought of being home alone.

Being the youngest of four, there came a point where my brother and sisters were moving out and I no longer had the diverse conversation and entertainment that had previously been at my fingertips.

Coming into the Sixth Form from an all girls school was a scary thought. However, the reality was a lot less daunting and I settled in quickly. This was partly due to the boys’ welcoming nature which became apparent even before some of my friendships formed with the girls.

I came here seeking entertainment from the boarding atmosphere and diverse opinions from having both boys and girls around me — both of which I found with ease. On a day-to-day basis, the key differences are the lively atmosphere in classrooms

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and varied opinions which might not have come across in a classroom full of just girls. Both in and out of lessons, I have noticed that girls and boys have very interactional relationships; there is a sense that everyone feels comfortable being themselves around boys. Often girls put on a persona when around boys but being in lessons with them every day, it is hard to be anything but yourself. I think this is really important, especially for the future, as it allows you to learn social skills that you don’t have the opportunity to learn in girls’ schools.

Rosie Keeling

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WHY I BELIEVE IN CO-ED Mr Richard Phillips, Head of Sixth Form

As an Economics teacher, I firmly believe that co-educational classrooms, and wider school environment, act as a ‘merit good’. A co-education will have a positive impact on the individual student, as well as the whole Worth community.

Learning together in a co-ed classroom has so many benefits for all genders.

Many studies have shown that boys and girls working together creates a balance which encourages self-esteem, promotes a positive self-image, develops social skills and prepares our students for the diverse world of undergraduate study at university as well as the work place beyond. Perhaps the most compelling argument in favour of co-educational schools is that students have a far greater exposure to different points of view which will hopefully lead to an end of many of the gender stereotypes and misconceptions about each sex that unfortunately continue to exist.

Co-operation in the classroom helps boys and girls to gain new perspectives and become more confident in

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expressing their views in front of others. Many academic research papers have demonstrated that students in coeducational schools are more likely to be better prepared to succeed as they enter university or join the workforce.

As a co-educational school, Worth is also very keen to challenge sexist attitudes. Throughout the School, and particularly in Sixth Form, many subjects encourage classroom discussion. We believe that it is vital that all opinions and perspectives are listened to and explored as part of these debates, leading to a significantly enhanced learning experience for all of our students.

For both girls and boys here at Worth, we believe that coeducation provides a genuine method of preparing young people to take their places in society, making a positive difference not only in the UK, but also throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

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The Pitstop becomes a space dedicated to Sixth Form students Worthian wins LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award Los Angeles — Best Production of a Play (large theatre) for her production of ‘Gulf View Drive’

2017

2018

Worth has an equestrian team Worth starts girls’ football

Swimming is added as a Games option

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BACK OF THE NET!

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Girls' football took off like a rocket when introduced in 2017 with the team winning four out of its first five matches.

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I joined Worth in Year 11 in September 2017 which was the second year that the school had run the Pre-IB course.

I visited different schools, but from the very first moment Worth School was my number one.

Everyone made me feel welcome and teachers were not only interested in my academic abilities and achievements, but equally, or even more, in my personality and passions.

FROM GERMANY TO WORTH

This feeling has not changed since I have started school here. Teachers are incredibly interested and enthusiastic about their subjects and make classes very interesting. But it is not only the academic life that makes Worth special. The combination of school, extra-curricular activities and pastoral care makes Worth a home from home. Whether you are interested in music, sports, drama or service activities, Worth offers a large variety of possibilities.

I have made lots of friends at Worth and I am happy and proud to be part of this school.

Isabell Veith

the very “ ‌from first moment

Worth School was my number one.�

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FROM WORTH TO LA

In 2018, Worthian Katharine Farmer — now based in London and Los Angeles — won Best Production of a Play (large theatre) for her production of ‘Gulf View Drive’ at the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Awards, as well as receiving two Best Director nominations. Here she tells us about the lessons of Worth and the impact of a remarkable teacher…

I feel very grateful to have attended Worth as it gave me a chance to explore my interests. The quality of the teaching, the professionalism of

the school plays and the immersive experience of the School changed my attitude to studying and thinking critically. Something that particularly stands out in my memory were the Days of Reflection in the Abbey and my time with our House Chaplain which were my first exposure to mindfulness and the impact of contemplation. Working freelance you learn the importance of reflection and I’m thankful that this was introduced at such an early stage in my development.

I think Worth also equipped me for entering a world of networking.

During my time at school I attended several formal dinners, helped at open days and took part in family events. This was particularly useful in establishing how to present yourself professionally and talk to others, as well as offering a chance to meet other people in the School.

I also believe the chances I had to do public speaking in Mass and assemblies was a great way to grow

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in confidence which was further aided by taking LAMDA exams in my spare time. As a result I am less self-conscious when I have to present or pitch ideas.

A defining experience for me was being taught by Head of Drama, Mr Boughton, and without him I doubt that I would be pursuing the career that I am. Despite suffering with a brain tumour throughout our final year of study, Mr Boughton tenaciously continued to run A Level lessons, lead rehearsals for 'Don Quixote', and take us on theatre trips to London. His passion for theatre, writing and teaching was unbridled and incredibly inspiring. Mr Boughton passed away just days before I started university to read Theatre and Performance Studies and his memory continues into every show I have worked on since.

Katharine graduated from the University of Warwick in 2014.

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PUTTING ON THE RITZ The advent of girls at Worth witnessed the beginning of a revolution in the number and quality of social occasions such as balls.

As well as both genders ramping up the glamour for the Leavers’ Ball (image above is from 2015), Worth students also put on the style for the Year 11 Prom, complete with photo booth and mocktails, a ‘Moving On’ dinner for Year 8 students leaving Austin House and the popular Sixth Form ‘Gatsby Social’ in the Autumn Term.

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Ellen Brownings started at Worth in 2011 as part of the second ever intake of girls into Year 7 and below she shares her thoughts on how the School has changed in her seven years here.

The feeling of innate belonging and support is something I experienced right from the start, but one thing which has significantly changed during my seven years at Worth is the influence of girls in the School. I have seen Worth adjust to these changes and slowly change from a ‘boys’ school with girls in it’, to being a mixed school where both boys and girls have equal influence and opportunity.

As a girl at Worth, I have found the leadership of female role models to be very important. I was inspired by previous Head Girls to make a meaningful and empowering impact, particularly on the girls, to inspire confidence in them.

In my time at Worth I have experienced treatment and opportunities equal to those of my male peers. In fact, one of the highlights of my final year was International Women’s Day. There was a huge turnout from the boys who were happy to show their support and belief in equality for men and women.

‘Women’s Day’ is often interpreted as being about the ‘superiority of women’ and ‘man-hating’; however, during the evening we discussed any misconceptions and concluded that we

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all shared a desire for equal treatment in today’s society, regardless of gender.

With everyone coming together, a real sense of community was felt and it proved even more to me that the influence of females in the school is regarded as both significant and equal.

One of the things which has made my school experience so unique is the friends I have made at Worth. Despite the diversity of cultures, religions and ethnicities, everyone seems to share a common set of values, which guide and mould us during our time here. It’s the vibrant community which I will miss the most, and the friends I have made are really more of a family to me now.

In terms of the future, I am going to study Accounting, Business Finance and Management at York University. I am both excited and apprehensive about beginning a new chapter, but I have learnt during my time at Worth the importance of having belief in yourself and an ambition to drive you towards your goals. I have tried to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that came my way, even though I did at one stage find myself attending excessive numbers of bassoon lessons and hopelessly captaining the pupils’ cricket team in a match against the teachers, having no prior experience of either! However, saying ‘yes’ to all these opportunities has ultimately been worthwhile and shaped me into the person I am today.

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE a girl at Worth, I have found “ As the leadership of female role

models to be very important.

I was inspired by previous Head Girls to make a meaningful and empowering impact.”

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STICK VS BAT Claudie Cooper in Year 12 is one of Worth’s sporting stars. When she was just 13, Claudie made an impact as the highest scorer in the 2015-16 hockey season for the U15As and was responsible for over 28% of everything that went in the back of the hockey net for Worth that season. Three years on, it turns out that hockey had a serious rival…

What teams do you play for?

At Worth I play hockey for the 1st XI and cricket for the 1st XI. I also used to play regional hockey for North Downs and county hockey for Surrey but due to the amount of cricket I now play, and how well it is going, I decided I would rather go down that path.

Outside of school, I play cricket for the Surrey Senior 2nd team and U17s team.

I’ve been playing for them since the age of 11 and it has been such a great experience.

What about other sports?

I have always had a passion for tennis and I do still play it if I have any spare time. I think it’s good for all sportsmen and women to have other sports as a hobby for the sake of socialising and developing skills that could be useful in their core sports.

How has Worth helped you develop your sports?

Worth has helped me branch out and develop skills for the individual sports. They also have helped me grow physically as when I first came to Worth

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most people would know that I was quite small and stick-like. But since I came here I was able to build the strength I need to go as far as possible within my sports.

Why would you recommend sport at Worth?

The coaching is of a high standard with all my coaches having highlevel experience. They all work hard to improve us individually whilst maintaining that team spirit. Also the school facilities are of a high standard. We get a large amount of quality training and play matches against top schools most weekends.

One of the most enjoyable aspects was going on hockey tour to Frankfurt this summer playing against top level German opposition. Not only was the hockey very good but it was a great opportunity to meet new people.

What’s your next sporting ambition?

I hope to progress on the England cricket pathway, initially by being selected onto the Surrey Stars Development Centre. I would also like the chance to play for the senior Surrey 1st XI side.

How do you combine a full sporting programme with study?

It is difficult and at times last year I was having to catch up work during my study periods. At one point I was behind in my sciences but with some great support from Mrs Kirpalani I managed to get As in both Chemistry and Biology GCSEs.

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EQUALITY & RESPECT In taking the decision to invite girls to join Worth in 2008, the School Governors began a period of great change for Worth. Those vanguard girls who joined the School that year couldn’t have imagined that, within ten years, co-education would look and feel entirely normal at Worth, and that half the Sixth Form and half the Prefects would be girls. For all the change that girls brought with them to Worth, they have also helped it to build further on the School’s deep foundations, so that the Worth of today has the same feeling of friendly, thriving community that generations of pre-2008 old boys remember.

Whether it is in the classroom, at society meetings or in the choir, girls have had an incalculable impact on the life of the School, because in working together as young men and women to build knowledge and in sharing ideas, Worth pupils are putting into practice notions of equality and respect for each other that underpin the Benedictine ethos of the School and leave them ready to give something of real value to the world they go out into. So successful has the transition to full co-education been at Worth that no one talks anymore about the transition to full co-education: Worth is a great school equally for girls as for boys.

Stuart McPherson, MA Head Master

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SO, HOW HAS IT GONE?

592

GIRL PUPILS, PAST AND PRESENT

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FULL GIRLS’ HOUSES

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A LEVEL GRADES AT A*/A SINCE 2010

50:50

CO-EDUCATIONAL IN THE SIXTH FORM

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GIRLS IN REPRESENTATIONAL TEAMS ACROSS HOCKEY, NETBALL, FOOTBALL, TENNIS, LACROSSE, CRICKET, SWIMMING AND FENCING

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GIRLS CURRENTLY AT WORTH

www.mercerdesign.co.uk Images taken by: Simon Dack Photography, Eaton & Woods Photography, Sean Dooley, Emma Duggan Photography, Howard Griggs, Robbie Jack Photography, Peter Langdown Photography, Smile Event Photography, Tempest Photography. With apologies to anyone who we have not been able to identify as a contributor.

Worth School, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD 01342 710200 admissions@worth.org.uk www.worthschool.org.uk Charity number: 1093914 Company registration number: 4476558 10 Years of Girls

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